Music: {allcanada} Montreal Impact training notes

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The Montreal Impact host Toronto FC on Wednesday night in the first leg of their Amway Canadian Championship semifinal series.

I attended the Impact's training session Tuesday morning at Claude-Robillard Sports Complex. Here are some news, notes and quotes...

-- Coach Jesse Marsch said his team is taking this tournament very seriously. Nick De Santis, the Impact's sporting director, even addressed the players on Monday to remind them of the club's history and how it won the inaugural tournament in 2008 and how important that was to the city of Montreal

-- Marsch said he will field a full-strength side and will basically use the same starting lineup that he deployed in a 2-0 win over the Portland Timbers last weekend.

-- There are two injury concerns for Montreal. Right full back Zarek Valentin suffered a right calf injury during injury time against Portland and will not play Wednesday. Marsch said that former Vancouver Whitecaps defender Jeb Brovsky will start in his place.

-- Also Justin Mapp is dealing with a hamstring problem. He did not train with his teammates on Tuesday (he rode a stationary bike on the sidelines) and Marsch said the winger will be a game day decision against Toronto.

-- Marsch said he's decided who will start in goal but didn't tip his hand as to who that will be. Donovan Ricketts has started every MLS game thus far for Montreal, why backup Greg Sutton, a Canadian, had waited in the wings.

-- Marsch said Italian striker Bernardo Corradi has been a "fantastic" addition to the club, but would not comment as to whether or not the Impact will sign him to an extension once his three-month contract has expired.

-- Valentin said he likely won't play for Montreal against Kansas City on the weekend, but that he could be available to return for the second leg of the Amway semifinals in Toronto next Wednesday.

-- The injury to Valentin is a bit of setback for the American youngster, as he has grown and established himself as a regular starter for the Impact the past week weeks.

-- Despite TFC's 0-7 record to start the MLS season, Marsch and the players said they are not taking the Reds lightly.

-- Marsch confirmed that Andrew Wenger, the club's top pick in January's draft, is done school at the Duke University and is now with the Impact on a full time basis.

Quote sheet

Valentin on his injury: "I took a bit of a knock at the end of the (Portland) game. I just got kicked and it's a little bit swollen right now. I'm trying to get better. Right now it's day to day. Walking has been a bit of an issue but hopefully I'll be back next week."

Valentin on missing Wednesday's game: "I'm super bummed. I've seen how much emphasis and how this city loves this event going back to 2009 ... It's part of the game and you have to take it with a grain of salt."

Brovsky on playing in the 2011 tournament for the Whitecaps: "I remember playing Montreal last year and it was a battle. Sometimes the semifinals are even tougher than the finale.

Brovsky on facing TFC: "We know Toronto hasn't got the points that they wanted but they're a dangerous team. We saw that last week in Salt Lake. We're not taking them lightly."

Davy Arnaud on why they can't give up a road goal: "It's important. Our last game (vs. Portland) was a good time to get our first shutout. It's important to be real solid at the back and limit (TFC's) chances."

Sutton on whether he'll start in net: "I don't know about that. We'll see. We're all excited. For the Canadian guys, this is something special."

Brazilian Felipe on playing every minute of every MLS game thus far: "I'm ready (for Wednesday). I've had good training session today and I've been working hard. I feel great and feel that I can give my all if called upon."

Marsch on Wenger: "I'm glad he got the opportunity (to finish school) but now it's time to be a full-time professional and get to work. His mentality and attitude has been great. He's a good kid. We're happy to have him on a full time basis."

Marsch on Valentin's injury: "I feel for Zarek because he started to establish himself and he was playing well. Now he picks up a knock, but I don't think it'll be too much of on an interruption into what he's meant to the team and his progress. We know Jeb (Brovsky) will step in and do a good job as well, so we have two good players in that spot."

Marsch on Patrice Bernier's lack of playing time this season: "He's been fantastic as a pro and he's a class guy every way. Now when we call him, he'll be ready.

My projected starting lineup

GK: Ricketts; DF: Tyson Wahl, Matteo Ferrari. Shavar Thomas and Jeb Brovsky; MF: Andrew Wenger, Felipe Martins, Collen Warner, Davy Arnaud; FW: Bernardo Corradi, Sana Nyassi